I’m so excited to share the second edition of Wine & Works in Progress. Tonight I’m pairing a glass of Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano with some slow, satisfying English Paper Piecing. There’s something so meditative about paper piecing, and with this wine, it all feels like comfort in a glass and fabric.
The Wine: Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano
I poured a nice glass of Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano—and, wow, what a lovely companion to this evening’s project. If you’re not familiar:
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It’s rich and textured, with layers of red fruit (think cherries, perhaps a hint of tart raspberry), warm spices, and just enough earthiness to ground the whole sip.
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There’s a smoothness in the tannins that makes it easy to sip while concentrating on seams and points, but also enough structure to feel like something special.
This kind of wine feels like it fits those quiet creative moments—late afternoon light, your sewing area spread out, thread in hand. It isn’t loud, but it doesn’t fade into the background either.
The WIP: English Paper Piecing
Here’s where the stitching magic happens:
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I’m working on an English Paper Piecing (EPP) project. Slow, precise, every tiny little seam and point matters.
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There’s something graceful in the slow rhythm of stitching hexagons (or whatever shape you’re using), pressing them, then joining them. It’s one of those projects that gives you space to breathe while you work.
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I am using fabrics that have personality—maybe some florals, maybe some solids—playing with contrast in seams and points so that when the pieces come together, they have depth and visual interest.
Why This Pairing Works
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Focus & ritual: When I’m paper piecing, I need calm—but not silence. A wine that invites reflection (like the Poliziano) gives me that.
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Pace matching: The wine’s richness means I can take my time with each piece, enjoy each stitch without rushing.
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Sensory balance: Taste, smell, and touch—all in harmony. The fabrics, the scent of wine, the soft clipping of fabric, the visual beauty of shapes coming together.
Tips If You Want to Try This Combo
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Choose a wine that rewards pauses. Something you enjoy sipping slowly—let it be part of the process.
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Keep your sewing space organized. With paper piecing especially, little threads or tiny paper templates can get everywhere.
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Light matters. Good lighting makes those seam allowances and points easier to see (I love my Daylight floor lamp).
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Celebrate each finished motif. Even one small star or hexagon joined is something to toast.
Curious About My Favorite Tools?
- Needles: SOHMO Sharps Needles
- Glue Pen and Refills: Sue Daley
- Rotating Mat: Sue Daley 16"
- Thread Wax: SOHMO Australian Beeswax
- Scissors: Tula Pink Micro Ring
- Thread Snips: SOHMO Matchbox Scissors
- Thread: Tula Pink Aurifil 80wt
On My Mind
While I worked tonight, I caught myself thinking about how the small, deliberate stitches of EPP are kind of like moments in life: little things we put together that eventually make something beautiful. It's all about honoring the process and meeting yourself where you're at.
So that’s where I’m at: curled up with my Poliziano Rosso, stitching paper pieces, letting the evening slow down in the best way. I can’t wait to show you the finished quilt top in 100 years lol!
Want to watch the video? Check it out here